Samuel Márquez

Advancement of the anatomical sciences and anatomical education have been the two main focuses of my academic work. I have become inextricably linked to the AAA society because of its stated mission of advancing anatomical science through education, research and professional development. It is through the AAA that I present novel educational methodologies and basic science research. The AAA recognized my passion for teaching and research when presenting me with the Basmajian award in 2009. It is to the AAA society that I have brought students, now numbering over one hundred, to present their anatomical research but also to expose them to a professional society. I have introduced students to quantitative methods, exposing them to evidence based medicine (considered critical to medical school teaching), or including them in hypothesis-driven projects (a key concept in graduate school curricula). As a product of a diverse inner city background, I would approach my post as board member with a broader perspective of inclusion. My goals for the Board would be: 1) increase the participation of non-traditional populations of students, especially those from underrepresented groups from anatomy education outreach programs already established by me in local high schools and undergraduate institutions (which have been reported by a number of local English and Spanish language NYC Press outlets) and, 2) to continue to recruit, promote, and energize students across educational levels in anatomy research. The AAA has kindly funded my education outreach programs, which are designed to provide exposure to, and generate motivation and interest in, the anatomical sciences. It has been through integration with other disciplines that the AAA has created a greater appreciation for living anatomy. As a board member, I will strive to support and sustain this vital mission as it has also been my personal mission throughout my career as an educator and scientist.

Other Professional Offices HeldI am the sitting Chair of the anatomical committee, the oldest standing body of the Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY), having been elected in 2015. Comprised of 17 medical schools in the State of New York, the AMSNY oversees the distribution of anatomical material serving as an interface with legislative and regulatory State agencies, providing a forum for discussion centering on curriculum and curricular changes, and facilitating a platform for faculty recruitment and development. The association also provides a forum for the advancement and promotion of junior faculty. As chair I have appointed subcommittee teams to create outreach programs for the anatomical sciences that aims at achieving exposure, motivation, and interest in the sciences at the high school level by bringing the excitement of the discovery process back into the classrooms while simultaneously addressing the pressing problems of science illiteracy. One of the goals of this program is to combine educational outreach with original scientific research and to infuse scientific education in the nation’s largest high school system with new enthusiasm and professional expertise. As the current Chair of the Committee on Academic and Professional Qualifications (CAPQ) at my home institution (this is the promotions committee) I have been, and will continue to, assist, guide, and promote as many faculty as I can in their path trajectory. As a Board Member, I will bring my vision and knowledge of the anatomical sciences to the AAA, including my mission of generating more membership by targeting potential young professionals at the earlier levels of their education ​

Research InterestsDr. Márquez is a comparative anatomist whose research interests are in the evolution of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Grounded in traditional gross anatomic dissection, morphometrics of dry skulls, and CT & MR imaging, one of his main research goals is understanding human diversity and origins, including the clinical implications of evolutionary change in upper respiratory tract morphology. Of particular interest is the disease etiology and evolutionary history of rhinosinusitis. His published works include analyses of Egyptian mummies dating to the predynastic era circa 3,600 B.C.E. and human fossil material such as a a Homo erectus calvaria from Indonesia where Dr. Márquez and the team he had assembled in 2001 published three studies on this curious specimen in The Anatomical Record. More recently, he has published an analysis of Neanderthal upper respiratory tract morphology in a 2014 special issue of the Anatomical Record that became its most downloaded paper for that year. Dr. Márquez's research has been covered in both the international and national press including The New York Times and was featured in the documentary "The Oldest Child" on National Geographic. He is also a strong advocate for education outreach, continuing yearly outreach sessions (Anatomy Education Day) with the purpose of recruiting underrepresented groups to the allied health and Stem science fields. Exposure of students to the sciences via innovative teaching strategies is aimed at motivating young minds to pursue their professional dreams in the face of adversity as Dr. Márquez did growing up in an under-served community in the South Bronx.

Professional Memberships Currently MaintainedAAAS member, American Association of Physical Anthropologists